Resolutions

January 1st...the day many diets & promises to visit the gym are born.  I think of them as start-up companies in a way.  Many are destined to fail, but some not only survive, but thrive.  Why is that?

Good intentions are cheap.  We mean well, but sometimes we set the bar too high or can't maintain the passion needed to succeed.  We establish unrealistic expectations and then give up when they are too hard to achieve.

Reporters and journalists write articles about resolutions at this time of the year, and many people publicly declare their desires to be thinner, happier, and thriftier people.  Talk shows go on about different strategies and promote products that are reputed to help us accomplish our goals.

With so many overweight and unhappy people in debt, I'm starting to wonder if this is an example of insanity?  Doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results...

What if we changed our resolutions?  Instead of quantifying an amount of weight to lose or restricting our budgets until a penny seems a fortune, we focused on the positive?

This New Year's Eve I'm resolving to be a better human being.  Some days I'll succeed, and some days I'll fail.  I won't keep count, and I won't beat myself up for missing the bar if I fall short.  The next day has the potential to be a better one and is another chance to make it right.

It might be holding the door open for a stranger, picking up someone else's trash, staying as healthy as I can, being kind to others (and myself), respecting the environment, or spending time with friends. 

Instead of berating myself over my failures, I'm planning on recording my successes: a memory or moment from each day that helped me be a better human, and why it made me happy.  A sour expression and harping on the negativity of the day will only taint my interactions with myself and others.

Life is better sweet than bitter.

The V-word

It's a horrific word that can strike fear in the hearts of those that hear it.  Some feel anxiety and start to sweat when confronted with it.  It is a haunting word that is said to cause even the bravest person to turn and run.  While others run, a few stand up and answer the call back with a resounding "yes"!  No one is immune to hearing it, though some will take incredible steps to avoid it...

"We need VOLUNTEERS"...

Friends abandon each other and many strangers turn a blind eye or make excuses.  "I'm too busy...I don't know how...I'm sorry, no....I can't...Let me get back to you..."

It's true that we lead busier lives than perhaps our grandparents did.  We're always rushing, never rested, stressed, and feeling overwhelmed.  When being asked to volunteer for something, we often think of ourselves and the "WIIFM" princple (what's in it for me).  We're being asked to sacrifice one of our most precious resources...time, and without any visible payoff for ourselves.

As a result, those people who are seeking volunteers, are often required to pick up the workload themselves.  Something that should be done by 10 people, is done by only 2-3.  The burden on these people is extreme and without the support of others, they often burn out or walk away from it the next year, not willing to put themselves through the chaos again. 

I see this so often in my own life and maybe you do too.  As a teacher, I get involved in a number of extra-curriculars at school.  I've been warned by family and friends that I'm doing too much, and it's true...I'm exhausted and overwhelmed.  I have no lunch hours or after-school time until at least mid-November because of the things I've committed to.  It's not healthy.  But when I tried to say no to coaching/hosting/advising one of these commitments this year, I was approached by the organizer who told me that they couldn't get anyone else to volunteer.  Would I re-consider?

Every year, our church puts on a Turkey dinner.  Being family or friends with a good number of the organizers, I see the hard work that goes into running such an event.  By the time Sunday rolls around, over 550 people will have eaten in 2.5 hrs.  The prepwork, cooking, cleaning, and organizing that goes into this event is incredible.  And every year, the organizers have to fight tooth and nail for volunteers.  People, who would normally drop by and say hi, start avoiding them in mid-October.  Phone calls for help go unanswered and some of those closest to the organizers run around trying to support and fill in the blanks.

With such busy lives, is it any wonder we'd shy away from something that seems to threaten the precarious balance of our crazy schedules?  We crave stress-free moments of peace, happiness, laughter, friendship, and relaxation.  In fact, we'll pay pricey spa fees and travel costs to find it.  What many don't realize is that there are volunteer opportunities that will provide all of these benefits, plus more, and for a fraction of the cost!

Volunteering sometimes comes with the stigma of being a huge commitment, a drain on personal resources, and an exhausting experience.  I suspect a lot of this comes from watching those tired few who have picked up the mantle and forged ahead while lacking the support of others.  Why would you want to volunteer when it seems that everyone taking part is exhausted by the end of it?  What they don't realize is that if others had stepped forward to help, the load would have been less.  Many hands, do after all, make for lighter work.

photo credits: www.volunteer.ie

People who volunteer can experience a boost to the "feel-good" part of their brain, develop new friendships, combat depression, network, stay physically healthy, find a purpose, and generally feel happy.  Volunteers often report they've learned a new skill, laughed (a lot), felt needed/wanted, and walked away from the experience with a new perspective on life. 


Winston Churchill put it this way.  "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give". 

Clutter Culture

I trip, stumble, bump, bash, or crash over it.  As much as I dream about clean and organized spaces, I still seem to end up with clutter.

Every so often I'll clean everything out, or at least a fair bit of it (the rest gets put "away").  The next thing I know, I'll look around my living room or bedroom and hurricane clutter has hit again!

Why is it that the clutter keeps coming back? 

I know I'm not alone in this.  Clutter is becoming a serious materialistic epidemic.  They make TV shows about this stuff!  Anyone ever seen hoarders??

I'm not nearly to that level, but I have to ask myself, why does my apartment start to look like a post-natural disaster zone when I'm barely home?  If I am being honest with myself, it's in part due to my busy schedule, my lack of motivation to put things away, and this almost bone-deep desire to bring new things into my home to try and update the old.

Right now I'm staring at an empty shoe box.  A part of my brain justifies this by pointing out its potential as storage, gift wrapping, or school-related project.  The other side of my brain is shaking her head in disgust.  "Steph," she says, "It has been there since September!  You've got to move on!!"  This side of my brain is practical, logical, and yearns to be clutter-free.  The other side of my brain sadly shakes her head.  She reminds me of the environmental impact of this box, the days of "reuse, reduce, recycle" (a theme drilled into us in elementary school), and the hope of finding a use for this attractive red box.

I often come home bone-tired.  The last thing I want to do is tidy & clean as I feel like I've spent the entire day running around behind kids picking up their stuff & tidying my classroom.  I want to curl up in my comfy chair, but I'm often faced with that chair being full of things I meant to put away.  My clutter is becoming an obstacle to enjoying my apartment.

So how do you go clutter-free while negotiating a peace treaty between the pragmatic and dreamer sides of your brain?  It seems like such a monumental task, yet quite necessary if I want to have full enjoyment of my space.  In times like this, I'm drawn to check out the different options on one of my favourite sites...Pinterest.

Here are some of the more appealing suggestions:

• 31 Day Detox Diet by www.cleanandscentsible.com: this promises to help you reduce clutter in only 15 minutes a day (anyone starting to think this sounds like an ad for weight loss?)
• How about a "1 Touch Rule" as suggested by www.mothersniche.com?  The theory is that if we put it away in the first place, we'd only be touching it once.  By putting it on the couch, a shelf, the chair, the table, or floor, we'll be moving it again later.  In theory, this means touching it multiple times as opposed to only doing it once. 
• Magic of Tidying Up is a book recommended by www.modernmrsdarcy.com.  By implementing concepts taught by Japanese personal tidying expert, Marie Kondo, this blogger has found new ways to organize and cut out the clutter.

De-cluttering is not a one time thing that you do like a 2-week diet.  It's a lifestyle change, much like changing your eating and fitness habits.  There will be bumps in the road, but in the end, it can become a permanent change.  Psychologically, it's about letting go of things and fighting the desire to bring more into the home for the sake of having more stuff.

We live in a society that is constantly being marketed to.  We're being told we need things to be happy and that we won't be successful or at peace until we have the perfect combination of things in our homes.  This contributes to the growing culture of clutter.  The truth is, the things that we need to be happy don't come in shrink wrap, plastic bags, or even cute red shoe boxes.  Learning to embrace the joys of holding someone else's hand, relishing a good hug, or spending time with loved ones is what really fills a space.

Someone I very much respect once told me, "We have to stop filling the hallow spaces in our lives with things that were never designed to fill them."  He was absolutely right!

Wanting

There are those in our world that want for basic comforts: water, food, and shelter.  While the deprivation of my particular "want" won't result in loss of life, it is without question, still a loss in my mind.

For some, it's seeing a young child being comforted by a parent and wishing they'd had the same sort of love.  For others, it's feeling anguish at the mention of babies and conceptions, a joy not possible or yet achieved.  For me, it's finding someone to share my life with.

I thought I'd found it once.  I thought I'd satisfied the want and quenched the longing, but it wasn't the time or place...or for that matter the person.  It was a poor substitute that left me in more pain than being without.  Now, more than 12 years later, I've yet to find one who I'd want standing beside me.

I don't begrudge my friends or family members for having discovered it.  To be truthful, I'm thrilled they have what has eluded me.  Their happiness doesn't cause me pain, which is a relief to me.  That relief, however, doesn't help heal the hurt that has buried itself so deep inside me, I'm scared I'll never find the cure.

There are others like me, I'm sure.  Desperately hoping, waiting in agony, and despairing they'll never find it.  Will I be one of those that's just not lucky enough to have love in my life?  Am I to go through my life without a partner, a spouse, or someone to share those intimate moments with?

Why me?

The wanting doesn't go away completely.  I can drown it out with work, volunteering, family, and a good book, but it creeps back time after time.  When I least expect it, it surrounds my heart and squeezes hard.  The pain radiates throughout my chest and my bones, and my mind screams from the overwhelming loneliness. 

Years ago, I had more hope than doubt that the next day would bring that fateful moment that I'd meet him.  As each day passes, however, that hope dims.  I'm starting to give up and life without that hope feels cold & empty.  The hurt, which continues to burn, is starting to turn to anger and resentment.  I'm very afraid it will make me a bitter person.

I'm not a quitter.

On the days that life itself seems harsh and unforgiving, my spark of hope is reduced to a single burning ember.  But it's still there.  I've gone on blind dates, tried numerous online dating sites, and even attended a speed dating event or two.  If he exists, he wasn't anywhere to be found in those places.

I need help.

Pride is something that I cannot afford right now and so I'm about to do something that throws my wanting out into the open.  I've walked this journey alone, for the most part, and found nothing.  I can't do it alone anymore, so I'm asking my friends and family for help.

Help me find someone to share my life with.  Help me put this pain to rest and end the emptiness inside me.  I have a deep and anguished part of my heart that needs healing, and there's an endless wanting.

I want to love. 

Lovable

There's this girl you see often.  Her skin has frequent breakouts, her hair a bit oily.  She's overweight, wears glasses, and you always see her alone.  She's not fashionable, has a bit of an overbite, and wouldn't grace the cover of a fashion magazine.

You've talked to her a few times and note that she's got a bit of a temper.  She gets moody, downright bitchy, and speaks before she thinks.  She never quite seems happy and conversations with her suggest she's aware of her sometimes gloomy disposition.

Stubborn is not the word.  You wonder if she ever really got over teenage rebellion as she's prone to digging in her heels to be contrary.  She'll go where she wants to go, not necessarily because someone tells her to.  It's her way of keeping control over some aspects of her life.

Last night the two of you really talked.  She told you about the dreams she has for herself.  She dreams of having a partner in life and children, but doubts she's pretty enough to attract anyone.  A questioning look has her talking about the number of times that men have asked her if her friend/co-worker is single.  But never have they asked about her.  After all, who would want to date a fat girl?

Her head hangs down a bit and you have to get her to look up at you before you continue the conversation.  You point out her involvement in community, charity, and hobbies.  You mention her pretty eyes and bright smile, but it's hard to pull her out of the rut she's in.

She admits she's had a hard time trusting men.  She tells a tale of being burnt in a relationship, and you can relate.  When you talk about dating, she sighs and explains that anyone she has met that she has the slightest interest in, has absolutely no interest in her. 

She attributes this to her weight and talks about how so many of her friends that are in relationships, are much more slender than she is.  Very few of her heavier friends have boyfriends or spouses.  Seeing her heavier friends in loving relationships is the only thing that keeps her believing it's possible.

It occurs to you that this person is very much in need of love; love only you can give.  You catch her eye and start telling her about all the things she can do to be happier.  You agree to go with her to the gym, help her eat healthy, and learn to re-establish trust.  You encourage her to forgive herself, and tell her that regardless of her flaws, you think she is beautiful and lovable.

The effect of these positive words has tears welling in her eyes.  She stares back at you in disbelief and a small smile graces her lips.  The tears start sliding down her cheeks as she takes in what you're telling her.  Your love for her is boundless and unconditional. 

You agree that you need to talk to her more often like this.  Help her with her fears, talk about her dreams, and share time together.  You turn to leave her, knowing she'll be better today.  Feeling good, you smile to yourself,

and turn away from the mirror.

Money Doesn't Grow on Parents

credit of tree graphic to digitalart at freedigitalphotos.net

This week, one of the Financial Post's headlines read "Parents financial supporting adult children feeling the pinch, poll says".  The topic was discussed on the radio and was picked up by other news sources around the country.  Like others, I listened, considered, and promptly forgot about it.  Then my phone chimed...twice.  "You should write a blog post about this", texted my mother.

When I first read the message, I had every intention of shrugging it off.  Then I worked 2 jobs for a total of 16.5 hours and finally got home after 3am.  I kept thinking about the young adults who still live under their parents' roof like and are supported up to $500 a month by mom and/or dad.

My parents had rules for us after we came home from university.  You either contributed financially to the household, or you could move out and do it yourself.  No free rides.  Utilities were divided by the number of us in the house & we contributed to the weekly grocery fund (I think it was $50 each).  Everyone was expected to contribute to the upkeep of the home and share in the chores.

Not all of my friends had similar circumstances.  Some of them lived at home for free and were shocked I had to pay.  I'll admit, I was frustrated too sometimes as they seemed to have all the money in the world for frivolous things.  I don't recall, but I wouldn't be surprised if I vocalized my frustrations to my parents at times.  You know how you sometimes hear parents say "Thanks nice, but that's not how things work in this house"?  Needless to say, my sisters and I paid.

Paying rent, utilities, and grocery money was a hard and harsh lesson to learn, but it was a critical life lesson.  Housing and such doesn't come free, so it's best to learn how to handle the financial costs early.  If you want to do more, you have to earn more.  It's why, as a full-time teacher, I'm also a 1x a week bartender. 

photo courtesy of debspool at freedigitalphotos.net

Gail Vaz-Oxlade, who hosts the show Prince$$, frequently emphasizes the need for young adults to be realistic and fiscally self-sufficient.  The guests on her show are pampered and drain the financial resources of their parents, friends, and partners.  Often they have racked up huge debts and have a high sense of
entitlement.

Many of my students in years past have dreams of wonderful & highly-paid careers.  They imagine they'll leave university and find that perfect job that gives them the well-decorated, spacious condo and dinners out with friends on a nightly basis.  They scoff at lower paid jobs that require them to do what they consider "menial" tasks. 

Our country is having difficulty with finding jobs for young people, it's true, but there are jobs out there.  Maybe it means working part-time hours stocking shelves, cleaning up messes, washing dirty dishes, or things you absolutely dislike.  I didn't want to do those jobs either, but a couple of wise "older" people told me once that there was no job beneath me if I needed the money.  If flipping burgers right now is what pays the bills, you flip.

I work 2 jobs because there are trips I want to take and home ownership in this area has become increasingly unobtainable.  If I want to travel and buy a house, I have to find a way to afford it, hence the bar tending on top of teaching.  It astounds me that we now have TV shows about parents buying houses for their kids.  How does buying your child a house teach them any self-respect, self-reliance, or responsibility??

We've become a society where everything has to be the same or better than what we are used to.  We've become accustomed to the lifestyle our parents now lead and forget to ask them what it was like when they started out.  I bet you many of them had many tinned soup & canned tuna days at the beginning of their journey...not filet mignon and lobster. 

10 Tips for Tech-Free Enertainment on Car Trips

Commercials use it, children whine it, and parents dread hearing it.

"Are we there yet?"

Long car trips are often seen as horrific undertakings with weary, worn-out travelers arguing, whining, crying, yelling, or sulking.  The solution, according to numerous auto manufacturers, is to make sure your car is equipped with hi-tech gadgets, iPads, DVD players, etc.

But what did people do in the "good ol' days" when such technology was non-existent?

My parents are from a different part of the country from where we grew up and with my mother having most of the summer off, countless summers consisted of a long trip to & from Canada's east coast.  To this day, my sisters and I count those trips amongst our happiest summer memories, despite being in a van for 2-3 days at a time without tvs or movies to entertain us.

I don't think any of us missed our electronics on those trips and each of us explored the more creative sides of our personalities.  We came up with our own games, jokes, and traditions.  Some of those traditions, such as car bingo and timbits in Sackville, continue to this day.

So how did my parents not go totally nuts with 3 girls confined to a small space for 2 days?

10 Tips for Tech-Free Car Trips

1. Surprise!
On a particularly long trip, my mother picked up some fairly low-mess games, books, and crafts.  She wrapped each one in white paper and hid them in the car.  I was too young to know whether it was once-a-day or when we got restless, but she had our undivided attention when she announced it was time to pull out the surprise bin.  Each of us got to pick one and this kept us entertained.  It didn't have to be fancy.  One of my favourites was balloon people.  We got to colour the stickers and such that would adhere to our balloon to give him/her a personality.  Colouring took time, so that kept us entertained.  I'm not sure how my parents handled the random popping of balloons, but no one drove off the road, so it couldn't have been too bad.  Check out your local Dollar Store for some ideas.

2. Car Bingo
This is an ongoing favourite.  We tend to make up the bingos on one day, and then play the game another day.  The winner usually has his/her choice of ice cream or a chocolate bar along the way, but you could come up with an alternative. White paper and water-based markers are best.  You can create the lines in advance, or do it on the road.  If you're particularly fussy about straight lines, I suggest making these first...the road can be slightly bumpy.  Keeping it simple with things like "tractor" or "cow" is great for younger kids.  Just be careful not to get too complicated.  This year, 4 of us (all adults) traveled down to Nova Scotia for a family wedding.  My father commented at the end that "you know when bingo is getting too difficult when no one wins".  Trying to find a red car (not truck) with advertising on it, while traveling on the TransCanada highway, was just a bit too challenging.

3. Clicker
It's an improv game that my sisters and I played when we were younger.  One of us would pretend to hold the clicker (more commonly known as the tv remote) and flip between channels.  The other two of us would be responsible for acting out a channel.  The end of the turn was concluded by the person holding the "clicker" giving the rest of us a product to make a commercial about.  The best commercial would determine who would be the next "clicker".  This game doesn't require anything but imagination, but earplugs might be handy for those not wanting to listen in.  My parents hated this one, so it  may not be for you.  That said, one particular moment from this game became infamous in our family thanks to comic timing in a commercial about floating shoes.  Ask my sister Denise if you want the full story.
  
4. Activity Bins
Markers, colouring books, plain paper, and even origami could be found in our activity bins.  The bins weren't labeled to ensure each sibling had equal amounts, so if there wasn't enough of something, too bad.  This didn't cause a lot of fights as each of us was fairly unique in our likes/dislikes.  We had little table tops to use for steady drawing surfaces, and if we finished with what we were using, we had to tidy up before moving on to the next thing.  I won't say our van was spic & span after the trip, but it did keep some of the mess to a minimum (my mother might dispute this though)


5. Travel Games
Connect-4, Scrabble and Yahtzee were some of the travel games we had.  You can find them at places like Mastermind Toys and Walmart.  They are designed to be fairly self-contained, and are good distractions without electronic technology.  Old Maid was another game we played and cards were passed around the car with minimal issues.


6. MadLibs
One way to ensure laughter, while being a bit educational, is doing MadLibs.  You can find them online and print out copies in advance, but buying a book of them is worth it.  We laughed until we cried on numerous occasions, and the book could be brought out multiple times during the trip.  I suggest keeping it to a minimum each time though.  You don't want to get sick of the activity by continuing after the stories stop being funny.

7. Pico Fermi Bagel
This numbers game is a guessing game based on the placement of numbers.  You can find the instructions for it at this link.  Essentially, one person has a sequence of numbers in their head and the others try to guess what they may be.  Not a game with laughter, but definitely distracting and challenging.  The longer the sequence, the harder the game.


8. Car Colours
This game requires you to have visual contact with oncoming traffic.  Each person selects a car colour and you keep track of your own colour.  As a car passes you, you can add to your tally if the car is your colour.  Mixed colours are excluded.  Given the number of silver cars these days, you may choose to make it off-limits.  This is a game the driver can join in on and it can get a bit competitive.  Better suited for days without rain.  It's hard to look the wipers to determine if the car is navy or black.


9. Finger Puppets
Better for younger travelers, but still fun for some adults.  My mother was quite happy to play even when the kids had had enough.  Having each person come up with a little skit or dance along to the music could get fairly amusing.  I remember a particular moment with larger puppets when "Me Donkey Wants Water" turned into a wrestling match between Pandi the Panda Bear and Leon the Lion.


10. Person, Place or Thing
A classic game you may have played in school, this activity is mess-free and creative.  One player selects a person, place, or thing, and the rest of the travelers have to come up with yes/no questions to determine the answer.  The older the travelers, the more obscure you can get!

Trying to find Romeo online: Awkward First Dates

You've traded photos, emails, and possibly phone numbers.  Now the day is here and you're wondering if the image you've built up in your head will come anywhere close to the person who is about to walk in those doors.  Are you confident or shy?  Excited or nervous?  Maybe all four emotions at once?

Like many people who look online for a partner, I've met some pretty interesting characters.  Some seem younger than expected, some are nothing like their online persona and some need to work on their social skills. 

Mr. "Stuck in Childhood"
I'm all for a bit of geek in a guy, but this young man took it to extremes.  He told me about his interest in comic books and that he sometimes collected things.  During our first date, he elaborated on his love of Power Rangers for a good 15 minutes.  He described his apartment as being a shrine to figurines and admitted that most of his time was spent watching old episodes of childhood shows.  I'm all for enjoying bits of the past.  I still have my Buffy the Vampire and Lois & Clark DVDs, but they come out maybe once a year.  I was looking for a man who would go hiking, traveling and socialize.  The one I found desperately wished to be a boy again and was more in love with his TV than anything else.

Mr. "Not the Whole Story"
I'm all for a bit of mystery, but when someone downplays a significant part of themselves, it has me doubting their honesty.  I'd spent a bit of time getting to know a young man who informed me he had cerebral palsy.  My parents raised me to be open and accepting of peoples' disabilities, so I opted to go ahead and meet the man in person.  What I expected to be a bit of fine motor skill issues and a speech impediment turned out to be quite a bit more intense.  He'd opted for sushi, which I thought was admirably gutsy, but looking back, not a great first date choice.  There's something about slurping sushi that doesn't rate high on the "sexy" scale.  We both admitted there wasn't much chemistry between us and while a second date was a possibility, the communication dropped off completely.  

Mr. "Maybe I'm being too forward?"
Though claiming to be a headhunter on his online profile, I think one date had further aspirations of becoming an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor after trying to perform a tonsillectomy in the parking lot.  Prior to our first date, he acted like the perfect gentleman.  Concluding our date, he asked if he could kiss me saying that he'd found in the past that he was sometimes too forward.  Assuming this meant a peck, I thought "why not"?  Turns out our definitions of a first date kiss greatly differed.  In addition to his bold move, he proceeded to text and email me numerous times the next day.  At one point he asked me if I was still thinking of our kiss as he apparently couldn't think of anything else.  I'll admit he scared me off and I asked to conclude communications.  He questioned whether I really meant what I was saying and kept messaging.  Creepy.

Today marks another first date.  This afternoon I'm off to have coffee and I find myself wondering if I'll be adding to the tales of "Awkward First Dates" or maybe this will be one for the slimmer volume of "Date No. 2"

Life's an Adventure: Exploring Nepal

Arriving
There was a weighty silence as we came over the mountains preparing to land.  A few lucky souls were on the left side of the plane and had a great view of Everest.  As the wheels touched down, everyone held their breath.  Success!  Everyone clapped and felt relieved.

While coming over the Himalayas is certainly hair-raising, what really had my fellow passengers worried was that the last Turkish Airlines into Nepal skidded off the runway.  In fact, we past the damaged aircraft while taxiing to our gate.  Don't worry though, this isn't a regular occurrence!

The Himalayas seen on our flight from Kathmandu to Jhapa

If you're thinking about flying into Nepal, I strongly recommend you get a visiting visa before you go.  Many people wait and there is a huge line up in the airport.  Our team made sure everyone had a visa before leaving so we just walked right though.  Also, be sure to keep your luggage stickers.  Nepali security will check and give you a hard time if you don't have them.

Airport in Jhapa

Cultural Sensitivity
Be prepared to be segregated by gender.  Women are kept with other women and the security officers that pat them down and inspect their bags will be women.  Do not take offense at this, just go with the flow.  As the country is very poor, so do not expect airports to be at a North American standard.  Buildings will likely look worn, outdated, and possibly dirty.  Bathrooms may not have toilet paper, so take your own and hand sanitizer.  There is little chance you'll find soap.  Often you will see a bucket of water.  The locals use this instead of toilet paper.  This relates to the Nepali custom of never touching food or people with your left hand.  It is considered unclean and only the right hand should be used.  I'll let you guess why!

The sun was barely visible upon landing in Jhapa

With the under-enforced air pollution restrictions, the air in Nepal is highly polluted.  There is often a haze in the sky and despite your proximity, it is unlikely you will see the Himalayas from Kathmandu if you're not there during a rain storm.  As I was participating in a Habitat for Humanity build, we continued our journey by flying to a south-eastern part of Nepal known as the Jhapa district.  As garbage is often burned, especially in more rural regions, the air quality is affected.  I strongly recommend taking a fabric mask with you to help combat the inhaling of both burning garbage and vehicle exhaust.

My sleep sheet spread out in my room in Birtamod

Accommodations in Rural Areas
If you have never been to a developing nation before, you will want to prepare yourself for the different building standards you may encounter.  The level of comfort you are accustomed to is also lower and you should prepare yourself accordingly.  The hotel in Birtamod that we stayed at was considered to be one of the best in the area.  The showers were cold, the beds were incredibly hard, and the bedding was questionable.  Investing in a sleep sheet or light sleeping bag is probably a very good idea!

I also recommend taking a laundry soap bar, clothespins and short bungee cords so you can wash clothing and hang it to dry in your room.  Staying clean will make your trip more enjoyable. 

Basic Nepali home in the rural districts

 The purpose of my trip was to do a Habitat for Humanity build with my students and so we were exposed to a greater degree of poverty than perhaps most tourists see.  Homes are barely more than one room shacks made of sticks and mud. 

The Nepali People
The people, though desperate to make a better life for themselves, are pleasant and welcoming.  They are genuinely happy to see you and despite language barriers, they try their best to communicate with you.  Taking the time to try and learn the Nepali language goes a long way and an exchange of culture is much better than expecting the Nepali people to accommodate your language and culture.

Flowers received during our welcome ceremony

Depending on where you are staying, the purpose of your trip, and how rural you go, you may find yourself in a welcoming ceremony.  This may include the giving of flowers, dancing, demonstrations of local culture, and the introduction of elders.  It is respectful and proper to greet the people you meet by placing both hands together in a prayer-like fashion, bowing your head respectfully and saying "Namaste".  The Nepali peole can be shy at first, but in my experience, once they get to know you more, they are a warm and wonderful people. 
The Food

Nepali Thali

Whether you are in rural or urban areas, Nepal has some amazing culinary delights to share.  The traditional meal is called a Nepali Thali.  It consists of rice, cooked lentils, a curry, sauteed greens, cooked vegetables, and a tomato-based chutney.  The flavours are quite complex and often spicy.  As Nepal is so close to China and India, you will often see these flavours blended.  Be open to trying everything and you will not be disappointed.  Tip: Keep a glass of water handy for those unexpected spicy moments. 

Nepali momos

You won't find beef in Nepal as the country is over 80% Hindu, and so the cow is considered sacred.  Asking for it will be seen as an insult your hosts.  My favourite food on the trip was the Nepali momo.  This delicious dumpling comes with a dipping sauce and is filled with either vegetables or chicken.  A combination of spices, tomato and cilantro is often found in the dumpling itself and many chefs will guard their recipes secret.  The sauce varies depending on the restaurant, but I never had a bad momo experience.  I highly recommend trying them!


Tourism in Kathmandu

The tourist district of Thamel at night

Be prepared to bargain, and bargain hard.  If you're with a tour group, ask your leader what kind of prices you should expect for things like singing bowls, statues, jewelery and carvings.  If you're Caucasian, you'll stand out and vendors will sometimes set higher prices.  The markets are plentiful and you can take your time if shopping is your passion.

There are a lot of shops, mountaineering stores, money exchangers, and restaurants in this area.  Keep in mind, prices will be higher because you are in the tourist area. As pickpocketing can be frequent, keep a close eye on your valuables.  Never put anything in your back pocket and be discrete with your money.  In the first few hours we were there, I had a small child try to reach into my pocket.  Don't think that because the person is young, they aren't much of a threat.  People often let their guards down around children.  Exploring this district at night is more dangerous.  So if you are a solo traveler, you may want to wait until daytime to do your shopping.

Prayer flags at Monkey Temple

Looking out on Bhaktapur

If cultural and historical adventure is more your style, the Kathmandu valley is rich with it.  Sadly, the 2015 earthquakes damaged a lot of structures and destroyed some beautiful temples and monuments.  There are still some wonderful sights in Patan Durbar Square, the ancient city of Bhaktapur, and at Monkey Temple, but they may be under construction for repairs.  If you don't have a guide, take time to acquaint yourself with the city. 

Accommodations at Hotel Vaishali

Accommodations in Kathmandu are more expensive, but you will find higher quality in the tourist district of Thamel.   We stayed at Hotel Vaishali and it was a beautiful hotel.  The hotel was fairly easy to access and our tour guides from Bon Holidays were really informative and knowledgeable. 



 If you have the opportunity (and desire) to visit this historically beautiful country, I highly recommend doing so.  Always visit a local travel clinic before your trip to be sure you're medically prepared, and stick to bottled water.  By taking these simple safety precautions, you'll be able to enjoy the hospitality and beautiful culture of the Nepali people.

Namaste.

Single & Vacationing with the Folks: Fun or Faux Pas?

At 13, vacationing with your parents is normal.  But what about if you're 34...and single?  I have been struggling with this question for the past couple weeks.  At 34, by society's standards, vacationing with your parents usually means they play the role of grandparents.  In my case, however, it's just me.  My sisters are both paired off happily and doing their own thing with their partners (and kid in one case). 

My parents own a beautiful 32 ft. sailboat and try their best to make time during the summer to visit other clubs around the area.  Often this means going with other boats from their yacht club or meeting up with friends who also have boats.  Sometimes they do this alone, and sometimes I'm the add-on.  Don't get me wrong, I love being on the boat and I've made good friends with some of their friends, but I've had this nagging thought throughout the entire thing...

My home for a week

Does being 34 and still vacationing with my parents make me a "loser"?

I brought this up with a close friend and again with my mother.  Luckily for me, my parent didn't take any offense.  My friend was quick to say, no...and then head off for a solo trip around the Costa Brava part of Spain on her bike.  Hmmm...sailing with parents vs. adventurous cycling for one...lol, something tells me her trip sounds a whole lot more age appropriate. 

My mother listened and understood that it wasn't that I didn't appreciate the experience and time with my parents.  After much thought, I've come to the conclusion that while some may see me as a "loser", some day, my parents will both be gone and the memories I'll have from spending time with them will be priceless.  It's also still okay to feel a bit stunted and hope for trips where I will have my own family to bring along.

Toronto's nighttime skyline from Algonquin Island

I had a lot of fun on my trip.  I worked from the boat by commuting to school using ferries & public transit, met new people, and increased my comfort with sailing in heavier winds.  I got to see the beauty of Toronto at dusk and nightfall from a unique viewpoint, I was less dependent on technology, and I reduced my carbon footprint.  If I'd given in to my perceived view of public opinion & refrained from going on the trip, all I would have had to show for it would likely be one more week living in a hot apartment, eating alone, and watching Big Bang re-runs. 

A loser I may be, but at least I'm a happier one.

When your dreams just don't fit like they used to

Did you ever sit in class or at home and dream about your future?  Maybe it was about your perfect job, what you'd look like, or what you'd be famous for.  It may have been about being recognized for your accomplishments, meeting your idol, or your wedding day.  You may have waited in anticipation for that day that your dreams came true.  And then they didn't...

What do you do when your dreams just don't fit you anymore?

For me, it was sitting in Mrs. Day's OAC Canadian History class or her OAC Law class.  I used to sketch out a pretty farm house in a quiet town and where I'd be by 35.  I imagined a loving husband and 4 great kids (2 boys, 2 girls).  I even had their names picked out: Riley, James, Elizabeth, and Sarah.  I didn't think much about my career other than to wonder if I'd be a stay-at-home mom, or novelist.  Either way, in my dream, I was happily married and a mother.

Now, at halfway through the year to 35, my life looks nothing like the dream I continue to cling to.  While I am a published author, it's not a fictional story.  I'm single, living in a city apartment and childless.  My old dream has as much of a chance as fitting me now as my old semi-formal dress does. 

So where does one go to find a new dream?  One has to consider how expensive and long-lasting the dream is.  Does it give support where it's needed and will it stand the test of time?  Could it get tarnished or thrown in the back of the closet when trends change?  Looking for a new dream is just about as difficult or more as finding that perfect pair of jeans.  You know, the pair that makes your butt look good, doesn't gap at the waist, and doesn't need hemming?

Not all of us can wear the hip hugging and low riding jeans of our youth, but it doesn't mean we give up wearing jeans altogether.  I haven't given up on the idea of having a husband and family...it just won't happen the way I wanted it to.  Looking for a new dream has given me the chance to reflect on where I've been and where I'll go...and some of that is pretty exciting indeed!

Just because your old dreams don't fit anymore, doesn't mean you give up on dreaming altogether.  

Death by Chocolate

You log in to check your Facebook news feed and there it is...a sinful dessert recipe that screams, "Try Me"!  Normally I ignore the advertisements, but this little video was too hard to resist.

I like to craft and this recipe presented a challenge.  Not only is the raspberry chocolate mousse topped with fresh berries, but it's served in little chocolate cups you have to make yourself.

I don't recommend trying to put this recipe together in anything less than 3 hours, especially if it's your first attempt.  It took a while to temper the chocolate, chill the bowls, set the mousse and make it all look pretty in the meanwhile.

I also suggest doing it on a cool day.  I chose a beautiful sunny day in the summer and I found it hard to get the chocolate bowls out of the tinfoil without melting some of the chocolate with my warm hands.

When the opportunity to cook for my family came up and I eagerly went back to find the video and recipe posted via Home Cooking Adventure. 

Most of the ingredients were easy to find.  The chocolate came from Bulk Barn and as raspberries are just coming into season in Southern Ontario, it wasn't hard to find them either. 

The hardest part was finding the tin cups.  I found tinfoil muffin pans, but in the end I settled on individual little pot pie cups.  This created fewer bowls & wider ones, but worked fairly similarly. 


I came across a few challenges making the bowls, but eventually succeeded.  The recipe suggests you may need to melt the chocolate again in between making each bowl.  I found it was too hot to start with and the chocolate poured out of the mold too easily when flipped upside down to cool.  Also, take your time rotating the cup.  Too fast and your chocolate will come spinning out and make an incredibly amazing mess.  I speak from experience!

Take your time getting the bowl out of the mold.  I found I needed to cut the tinfoil in multiple places to work well.  If you rush it or try to push the limits, you'll end up breaking the bowl.

The chocolate mousse was fairly easy to make, but I did find the chocolate was too hot to fold the cream into.  After I mixed the 1/3 of my whipped cream into the chocolate, I put it in the fridge to let it firm up a bit before folding it back into the remaining whipped cream. 

Filling the bowls was easy, but the mousse mixture was warm enough to soften the bowls.  This step needs to be done fairly quickly, in my experience, to keep the bowls firm.  After that, the finish line is in sight.  Dress your cups just before serving and enjoy!

After my family devoured the cups, we debated whether the recipe could be improved.  I found the dessert incredibly rich and sweet and it was suggested that perhaps the chocolate cups were a bit too much.  Someone proposed serving the mousse in little cocktail glasses would be better and then you could create little chocolate drizzle toppers to stick into the mousse as it was cooling.  Switching from raspberry to mint was also a popular idea.

Either way, the dessert was still a hit and very attractive.  Smaller sized cups are probably the way to go unless you are entertaining chocoholics.  In which case, go all out! 

Fab Food 4 Forty $: Tips for getting a lot for a little

One of the biggest challenges these past 4 weeks has been buying enough with only a little to spend.  I've learned a number of little tips to help me be successful in my shopping.  Hopefully some of these will help you curb your culinary spending too!

1. Closed for the Holidays
When grocery stores are closed for the holidays, the food doesn't take a vacation!  Stores want to ensure that any fresh merchandise is sold so that they don't have waste.  Nothing worse than opening the store back up to moldy meat and liquified veggies & fruit.  If your local store is going to be closed for a major holiday, drop by a few hours before closing.  You'll score some pretty great deals.

I dropped by Food Basics on June 30th as the store was going to be closed on July 1st for Canada Day.  I bought little steak rounds for $2.50 (2 in a package) because they were 40% off!  I saw similar deals around the store for fresh produce, dairy and meat products.

2. Flipp App
It's free to download and is available for both iPhone and Android users.  Wendy, the creative mind behind the blog mapsgirl.ca, showed it to me a few months ago and it has been a huge money saver.  In addition to searching all my local flyers and clipping out deals, one of my favourite features has been the shopping list.  I can simply add in the product I'm looking for and Flipp tells me if any of my local stores have a sale or deal offered.  Great for pre-planning and spontaneous shopping!

3. Farm Shares
Not every farm share is a bargain.  Last summer, my sister and I signed up for a bi-weekly organic food share that offered a pick-up location close to us for $25.00 per box.  The timing of the pick-up was sometimes challenging and we got a lot of foods neither of us wanted to eat.  There was an option to remove foods from the bin, but it would cost us for each food we wanted excluded.  Quantity-wise, it wasn't bad, but the boxes could be abundant or short depending on the field yield.

Recently I was introduced to a new program hosted by Kerr Street Ministries in Oakville.  Known as the Halton Fresh Food Box, it costs $20 for a large box and is provided once a month.  There are a couple of different pick-up locations and the hours are reasonable.  Kerr Street Ministries provides a lot of support to families going through a rough patch and when I talked to Michelle, their Community Services Coordinator, I found out that this program is open to those who have and those who have not.  She also explained that it was possible for the "have" users to donate an extra $20 to sponsor a box for those who "have not".   

 I was really amazed at the quality and quantity of the produce.  The program runs all year and I'm excited to be a more regular user in the fall.  Farms in the area provide the produce and it is boxed up at the Kerr Street site.

 If you're interested in the program, you can call the centre at 905-634-8645 or email them at info@haltonfreshfoodbox.ca.  The next set of boxes are available for pick up on Tuesday, August 11th, but you must pre-register by Friday, July 31st.

Given the quantity and variety of the contents of my box, I'll be busy in the kitchen over the next few days.  Keep an eye open for more recipe ideas and results on my blog.  Spending only $40 a week on groceries can be difficult, but with a little creativity and an open mind, it is possible to do it healthily and happily.

Fitness with Friends

It was a work day and both of us had braved the traffic.  Neither suggested we try another night, though the sky hinted of more rain.  The trail was fairly easy, though the odd muddy obstacles made it interesting and both of us were smacking ourselves, and sometimes each other, to ward off the mosquitoes (I forgot the bug repellent at home).  We stopped briefly to admire birds, chipmunks, flowers, and even a little garter snake.

In 65 minutes, we'd covered 5.1 km of trail and talked for the majority of it.  We talked a bit about our work, our families, and just rambled on as we rambled through the marsh.  When it was over, it was suggested we might try to find a night for it the following week.

It's not the first time I've gone hiking/walking/exercising with a friend.  Whether it be aquafit, hiking or swimming, time flies when I combine friendship with fitness.  It makes it easier to keep going and harder to make excuses.

Coming home after a long day, it's easy to plop onto the couch, turn on the tube or play video games.  Contemplating the idea of getting up and exercising is, at times, daunting and easy to ignore once you get into bad habits.  Consider calling up a friend this week to make plans to do something active together.  Not only is it great to see your friend and catch up, you'll feel pretty good about yourself afterwards.

Just a word to the wise: Don't forget the bug spray!

The T-Dult: Part Teen & Part Adult

Do you remember the summer you came back home from your first year of university?  You had independence, freedom, and control over your entire life while at school.  Then, almost as soon as you walked over the threshold of your parents' front step, it was gone.

When you're a teenager, someone else holds the controls.  Sure, you're on your way to independence, but teachers still tell you what to do in class and your parents are likely dictating most of your life at home.  It's a bit smothering, but you're used to it.  You push back and rebel a bit, hoping to stand on your own two feet, but it's not until university or college that you finally get that taste of freedom.

For some, that freedom is terrifying, but for many it's relished.  No one tells you when to go to bed, when to study, what to eat, who to be friends with, or what to do.  Aside from your professors giving you instructions you may or may not follow, parental interference can be brief.  You're on your way to being a real adult and making your own decisions.  You may start to see yourself on equal footing with your parents.

When you come home, however, life changes.  Your parents don't realize how much you've grown this year.  They treat you like a teenager and perhaps your parents even put restraints on your movements.  It's frustrating for both sides.  You're struggling to assert your independence and they're struggling to catch up with the monumental changes that have occurred.

credit: Doodleblob

I remember that first summer.  I also remember feeling frustrated and angry a lot of the time.  One parent went so far as to tell me that my attitude sucked and that I'd been very difficult to live with.  Inside, I wanted to yell back that I'd found it just as difficult (I might have done that...I can't quite recall).  My younger sisters were still in high school and while my lifestyle had changed, my family's had not.  It wasn't one of the easiest times in my life...and I'm sure my family found it the same.

I spend almost every day of my life with teenagers while teaching high school.  I also volunteer with a youth group and often see those kids as my own, though they might not realize it.  I watch them grow, celebrate their successes and feel for them when they go through difficult times.  I've also come to realize that the tables have switched.  I used to be the teen fighting for the right to be treated as an adult.  Now I'm the adult trying to adapt to my graduated teens becoming adults. 

They are the ones now fighting me for the right to be treated as an adult.  While I know from experience that they're still not quite there, I also have to recognize that they have changed.  It's challenging to make the switch when, just like my parents, I am still surrounded by teens who still need guidance and a hands-on approach.  I sometimes forget to adapt and evolve in my interactions with my T-Dults.  This can lead to hurt feelings on both sides and patience & forgiveness is needed to maintain a positive attitude.

I'm thankful that my parents stuck it out and the relationship we have now is stronger and healthier than when I was in that awkward T-Dult stage.  I can only hope that the relationships I have with my evolving teens stay just as strong as they grow into that amazing full-fledged adults I know they'll be.

Living the Strange Life: Serially Single

After having a good chuckle over the word "masterdating", I was curious to see if any term exists to describe someone who is perpetually and serially single.  Turning to the digital know-it-all, Mr. Google, I plugged in my inquiry and the internet spit back some interesting suggestions.  Amongst them were the following:

...loner, odd, strange, isolated, lone, spouseless...

I won't sugar coat it.  Yes, being single is lonesome.  There are days you wonder just where you went wrong and why Mr. (or Mrs.) Right hasn't shown up on your radar yet.  You start to question if there is something so fundamentally wrong with you that there isn't at least one potential mate lining up to spend time with you.  Personally, I've somewhat seriously considered the possibility that I have a naturally occurring invisibility cloak, but thought that might be a bit too "Big Bang Theory"ish.

Some of my closest friends have begun to pair off and start their own families and it's hard not to wish I was in same vote.  Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled my friends have had success in that area of their life, but it certainly cuts down on the number of people available for a night out.  Breastfeeding and pub crawls aren't exactly made for each other.

So what do you do when you are serially single?  I haven't had a serious relationship in more years than I like to count and I'm past the age of wanting to go out to the bar, indulge in a bit too much alcohol and try to pick up intoxicated men.  I'm also not up for the guys who seem to think they can grab anything and anywhere while shouting over impossibly loud music. 

Where does that leave me?  Well, there's the option of the internet and dating apps.  A few of those friends I referenced earlier are happily married to people they met on dating websites, so I know for a fact it is possible to find love online.

My experience, however, hasn't exactly been starry.  From guys who think an appropriate first date gift is a pack of bubble gum or a hockey puck, to men who suggest I'm naive because I won't show a lot of skin in my pictures, online dating has landed me a few duds.

When you've been disappointed time after time, it's easy to become frustrated and give up.  It's easy to go for a night with a good book, rather than the preferred "good man".  So how does one continue to believe?  What hope is there out there for all of us great girls who just don't seem to be on any decent guy's radar?

As long as I'm still a "player" (pardon the pun), winning is a possibility.   I also don't like to lose.  Giving up, to me, is choosing to lose.  If I continue to put myself out there, no matter how much or how little, I'm still in the game...and that means I may still win.  Out there somewhere, is a guy who has lived his own strange and spouseless life.  

Until we find each other, this "loner" is going to keep looking.

Eating Orange: Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup

It's a cold, rainy and gross Saturday afternoon in June.  Since it feels more like March or late October, I thought a soup would warm me up.  This blended soup is quick, easy, and pretty delicious!

Ingredients:
6 medium-sized carrots, peeled and chopped into thin slices
1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
1 yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tbsp of fresh ginger, grated
2 tbsp of olive oil
1 tin of coconut milk
2 cups of no-sodium chicken broth
1 tbsp lime juice
1.5 tbsp of curry powder
1 tsp of cumin
1 tsp of garam masala
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
Heat olive oil over medium high heat in a stock pot.  When heated, add carrots and onion.  Cook until softened, then add spices, garlic, and ginger.  Continue to cook until fragrant.  Add in coconut milk, broth and sweet potato.  Bring to a boil and then cover and simmer until the sweet potato has softened.  Remove from heat and blend.  I prefer to use a hand blender, but a food processor would work too.  Once blended, add lime juice and season with salt and pepper as desired.

Fab Food 4 Forty $: Week 2's Memorable Moments

Hmmmm....I feel like ice cream drizzled with maple syrup.  Or chocolate....a piece of dark chocolate right now would be delicious!  I wish I could pop over to the store right now and satisfy that craving!

Wishing is as far as it got this week.  My tight budget was stretched to the breaking point and there wasn't much I could do about it.  If you read my post from Week 1, you may recall I had a date and lunch out this week to fit into my budget. 

Going through this challenge, I'm realizing more and more how much I took advantage of having unlimited access to things.  If there was something I wanted, I got it.  If it was after hours, there were 2 places within 5km that are open 24hrs.  If it cost $7.99 for a small ball of fresh mozzarella, who cares?  I know there were weeks I spent over $100 in groceries.  I didn't care if it was cheaper a couple km away, it was here and it was convenient.  I also remember the waste; eating what I wanted, not necessarily what I had in the fridge.

I'd say I'm more like a C+ student now.  I bought things I didn't end up using, and missed out on things I did.  I ran out of peppercorns to grind on Wednesday, and I had a couple people come to my rescue with a can of beer for a recipe (thanks, dad) and aluminum foil (thanks, Kristina).  By luck, I didn't run out of money.  I would have been $0.50 over, but thanks to a lucky $1 coin found on Monday by the water, I had enough.

Groceries totaled $30.05 this week.  I started off with $48.50 (adding in last week's surplus and the lucky loonie).  My date and lunch with a friend came to $18.05 in total, so I ended up with just $0.45 left at the end of the week.

• Chicken Broth (I'll have to find use for it this week)
• 2 bananas
• 1 bunch of broccoli
• Can of coconut milk
• package of 2 chicken breasts
• bag of carrots
• package of mushrooms
• 4 pack of peppers
• 2 nectarines
• 1 jumbo red onion
• 1 cluster of tomatoes
• a 6 pack of eggs
• a block of mozzarella
• a package of tortillas

Week 3's challenge?  Summer School!

Fab Food 4 Forty $: Chickpea Curry on Brown Rice Recipe

Steph's Chickpea Curry on Brown Rice

I had everything I needed in my pantry already, but if you're looking to price this meal out, it will cost you approximately $5-10 if you need to buy everything.  Consider hitting up the Bulk Barn for some of your ingredients if need be.

Serves: 4
Time to prep: 5 min
Time to cook: 30-40 min

Ingredients:
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 can of chickpeas, drained & rinsed
1 can of coconut milk
1/3 red onion, chopped.
1 cup of brown rice
1 tbsp. dried cumin *
1 tbsp. masala spice mix *
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. cardamon seeds *
1 tsp. cumin seeds *

*If you visit an Indian grocery store, you're likely to find the spices you need.  They are fairly inexpensive and a lot nicer than the ones in North American grocery stores.

Directions:

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.  I find a rice cooker is an awesome thing to have!  Easier to cook and clean up.
2. In a large saucepan, heat oil over med-high heat.  Add the spices to the pan and stir frequently until fragrant.  Don't let them burn!
3. Add the onions and let soften.  You may want to turn the heat down to medium at this point.
4. Add tomatoes, chickpeas and coconut milk.  Let simmer down until desired thickness.  
5. Serve over the brown rice and enjoy!

Fab Food 4 Forty $: Lessons from Week 1

Week 1...
If this were Donald Trump's show "The Apprentice", I would have been told "YOU'RE FIRED!" before the end of the show.

There were successes, epic failures, surprise moments, and the realization that I still have a lot to learn.  This week wasn't easy.  Of the $40, I have $7.50 left over, which is awesome.  However, this week also included prom supervision (dinner provided), school bbq (lunch provided), and YG BBQ (dinner potlock).


This coming week, I'm completely on my own and that includes 2 meals out:  lunch with my best friend, who thankfully isn't looking to eat at a swanky gourmet restaurant, and a dinner date.  As the dinner date is a first date, it'll be interesting to see who pays.  I'm all up for going dutch, but sometimes the guy has other ideas.  Saying that, I'll be planning in the cost of dinner (approx. 1/2 my budget!).  In a sense, this week will be more like meals for $20 given my outings.

Thank you to all of you who sent me ideas & recipes.  Greatly appreciated!!!  I've got my Flipp app updated for the week and will be heading out later to brave the stores.  I'm looking forward to trying some of your ideas.


Stand-Out Moments:

Photo credit: craftyturtle 1 on flickr

• When you get distracted and forget a grocery bag with mushrooms, sweet potatoes, peaches, and zucchini and it takes you 2 days to notice, you find out what foods survive...and which ones ruin the bag.  The peaches weren't peach anymore.  I think they were trying to imitate the zucchini as they were green when I found them.  The win goes to the zucchini, which was the only survivor.  Honorable mention goes to me for pure stupidity.  Sigh....the value of food means that much more when you only have $40 to get through the week.
• Receiving a bag of dried chickpeas from my friend/colleague.  Best part is, she included instructions!  Thanks, Rachel, it's really appreciated!
• Spicy Black Bean Dip recipe found on The Lemon Bowl site.  My YG kids devoured it and I had all the ingredients at home (freebie!). 

Going through my cupboard, I was able to save on a few costs.  So, if you're interested, here's what $40 (or $32.50) bought this week:

•  2 bags of chocolate chips (baking cookies for my students)
•  3 packages of rice crackers (check out your Food Basics international aisle for cheap ones!)
•  Cremini mushrooms (died in the tragic shopping bag incident)
•  Baby Romaine lettuce
•  Avocado (2)
•  Zucchini (will be cooked today with Craig Silva's recipe suggestion)
•  Peaches (2)...RIP
•  Cucumber
•  Hot House Tomatoes (2)...I always look for Canadian produce, if not Ontario when I can.
•  Sweet Potato (2)...gone, but not forgotten
•  Tortillas
•  Tortilla chips for the BBQ party
•  Baba Ghanoush for the BBQ party.  Interesting side note, the 2nd ingredient was mayo!  I am hunting recipes for a homemade version.  Anyone have one?